The Scarlets may have won seven games in a row in Europe last season on their way to a third Heineken Cup semi-final, but Clermont went all the way in the European Challenge Cup to lift the title and were runners-up in the French Championship.
And while one of their new recruits, Springbok World Cup winning skipper John Smit, may be missing from action in Round 1, Clermont skipper Aurelien Rougerie still believes there is enough firepower in his squad to make a major impact on their return to the top table of European rugby.
“Winning the European Challenge Cup last season was great, but what we are really happy about is being back in the Heineken Cup,” said Rougerie.
“This tournament gives us the opportunity to play at a very high level, playing at a slightly higher tempo than we get in the French Championship and we can’t wait to get on with it.
“We know we have been drawn in what is being described as this season’s ‘Pool of Death’ but, as far as we are concerned, we have nothing to fear.
“We are back in the top tournament and we intend to take full advantage of the opportunity we have. We will do everything in our power to take on the teams which everybody says are the best in Europe.
“We always want to measure ourselves against the best. That’s how you progress. What is certain is that we are motivated to give our very best, starting on Sunday against Llanelli Scarlets.”
